Mitchell Woolnough from Australia shares his ideas – and distinctive images – from an unforgettable weekend in Shanghai attending the 2025 Chinese language Grand Prix.
Pictures © Mitchell Woolnough (Sony A7cR; Tamron 150-500 & Sigma 24-70)
I’m again from an unbelievable journey in Shanghai, China, the place I attended the 2025 Chinese language Grand Prix! My journey started the Monday earlier than the race, flying in from Australia. As an Australian, I took benefit of the visa-free entry for as much as 30 days.
Throughout my keep, I known as the Mercure Shanghai Yu Backyard lodge my dwelling. This lodge provided comfy lodging, a handy location near Outdated Shanghai vacationer spots and the Bund, and was only a 25-minute stroll to Nanjing Highway, town’s well-known procuring avenue.
Earlier than the racing motion started, I spent a couple of days discovering Shanghai’s distinctive attraction. I strolled alongside the well-known Bund, taking within the beautiful views of town’s skyline and ventured into Outdated Shanghai, the place I wandered by means of the slender alleys and conventional retailers, immersing myself within the native tradition.
I additionally spent a unbelievable day exploring Shanghai Disneyland! I marveled on the beautiful points of interest, watched spectacular exhibits, and met beloved Disney characters.
Every day, I took the metro to the Shanghai Worldwide Circuit, a simple journey involving two strains and roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. The metro was environment friendly, clear, and straightforward to navigate, making it a good way to get to the observe with out worrying about site visitors. I used the Amap app for navigation, which offered English instructions and made getting round Shanghai a breeze. Earlier than arriving in China, I had put in a VPN, permitting me to entry my social media accounts, that are banned in China.
Getting into the observe was surprisingly simple, regardless of preliminary issues in regards to the single entrance and exit. The safety checks had been environment friendly, with bag checks and facial recognition know-how in place. The facial recognition system, which acted as my ticket, was a intelligent contact. Nevertheless, I did expertise a slight hiccup when organising the facial recognition system. The method wasn’t clearly defined after I bought my ticket, and I needed to rapidly log in and submit my face for approval. Fortunately, it was a easy course of as soon as I figured it out!
Earlier than coming into the circuit, there was a Moto expo that includes automotive shows and reside bands. It was a good way to get pumped up for the racing motion, and I loved looking the varied displays and having fun with the music.
I used to be seated in Grandstand Okay, which provided a unbelievable view of the again straight and the thrilling overtaking motion into the hairpin. The grandstand was outfitted with massive screens, permitting me to catch all of the motion across the observe. Plus, the coated seating offered a welcome respite from the solar.
One nice shock was the affordability of the meals choices on the observe. Utilizing QR codes to order and pay made the method seamless. I used to be impressed by the number of choices obtainable, and the costs had been the most affordable I’ve skilled at a Grand Prix.
Sadly, I wasn’t capable of discover all the circuit, as I wasn’t certain if my facial recognition scan would grant me entry to different areas. Since my face was solely registered for Grandstand Okay, I made a decision to not threat losing time strolling to different areas, solely to probably be turned away. I’m used to the extra relaxed environment at Albert Park, the place you’ll be able to stroll wherever and watch the race from any normal viewing space.
After the race, I joined the throngs of followers exiting the circuit. It took round 45 minutes to an hour to achieve the metro from the circuit gate, however the environment was vigorous, and I didn’t thoughts the wait.
The Chinese language Grand Prix was an exhilarating expertise, with Oscar Piastri taking the highest spot on the rostrum. As an Australian, it was thrilling to look at a fellow Aussie win a Grand Prix in individual – a really unforgettable expertise!
Attending the Chinese language Grand Prix and exploring Shanghai was an unforgettable expertise that mixed my passions for racing, theme parks, and cultural immersion. When you’re a fellow F1 fan, Disney fanatic, or simply on the lookout for an thrilling journey, add Shanghai to your bucket record!
READ MORE: Chinese language Grand Prix Journey Information
